In Afghanistan, where girls are banned from studying beyond the sixth grade, a young girl made a shocking confession—she wished to fail her class just to stay in school. Her words reflect the harsh reality faced by millions of Afghan girls who are deprived of education and a future.
Her statement sparked widespread support on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Such an intelligent and courageous girl. I love her confidence. I wish schools were open for them, and today she wouldn’t have to say this." Another commented, “Well, she already is smarter than the Taliban, obviously."
UN highlights the worsening crisis
Alison Davidian, UN Women’s Country Representative in Afghanistan, painted a grim picture. “Three years ago, the world was watching a takeover that was livestreaming horror after horror," she said. “And three years later, while the world’s attention may have turned elsewhere, the horrors have not stopped for Afghan women and girls."
The Taliban’s strict policies have banned girls from secondary education, prevented women from working in NGOs, and stripped them of leadership roles. Even those working within the Taliban’s system are often restricted to enforcing discriminatory rules against other women.
A growing mental health crisis
With no access to education or employment, Afghan women are facing a severe mental health crisis. A staggering 68% of Afghan women reported experiencing extreme mental distress, while 8% personally knew someone who had attempted suicide.
Dire consequences for Afghan society
By 2026, the exclusion of 1.1 million girls from schools and 100,000 women from universities could lead to a 45% rise in early childbearing and up to a 50% increase in maternal mortality.
The fight for women's rights continues
Despite these challenges, Afghan women continue to resist. UN Women has urged the international community to invest in their education and economic empowerment.
“The world is watching,” Davidian warned. “If we allow Afghan women to fight alone, we lose the moral ground to fight for women’s rights anywhere else.”
